Japanese newspaper Nikkei is reporting that Nintendo's next video game console, currently codenamed the Nintendo NX, may be powered by Google's Android operating system.
Details on the Nintendo NX are still shrouded in mystery. In May however, Wired magazine was able to secure a Nintendo investor briefing which sheds a bit of light on the NX platform. In the brief, company president Satoru Iwata states that the NX is "a dedicated video game platform with a brand new concept." He further states that the NX is "not a simple replacement" for the company's current hardware offerings, the 3DS family of handheld devices and the Wii U gaming console.
An Android powered Nintendo device would mark a radical change for the Kyoto based gaming company. In the past, Nintendo devices have been known for their rigid proprietary systems on both the development and consumer levels. Third party game developers have often spoken of the difficulty and higher costs of creating games for Nintendo systems compared to competitors like Sony's PlayStation and Microsoft's Xbox.
This has led to Nintendo's game library being sparse in third party support. Just yesterday it was announced that EA Sports would not be bringing the latest installement of their bestselling FIFA franchise to the Wii U.
This would change if the Android rumours prove to be true. The Android platform is one of the most widely utilized in the world. Game developers would have little issue creating new games or porting over existing titles to the Android powered NX.
Speculation on the device will have to continue however. Nintendo has officially stated that no specific details on the NX will be revealed until 2016. Nintendo also ruled out any NX appearance at this month's upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.
